A Real ‘Cinderella Story' Say Detectives

A shoe left at a crime scene led Gila County Sheriff's deputies to a barefoot burglar Wednesday night.

"This is a real Cinderella story," Sheriff's Det. Brian Havey said.

Deputy Karen Baltz responded to a burglary call in Gisela.

"The victims came home and found their house in disarray," Havey said. "Their VCR and a pair of diamond earrings were missing."

They also found a shoe that did not belong to anyone in their house, Havey said.

"The victim recognized the shoe as one belonging to her neighbor," Havey said. "Deputy Baltz went to the neighbor's home, but nobody answered the door. She guarded the home while I got a search warrant."

Baltz and Havey entered the home of 33-year-old Darrell Lee Shicky to find the stolen VCR, the other shoe and an open window.

"(Shicky) had escaped through a back window," Havey said.

Deputies caught up with the barefoot Shicky, covered in dirt and foxtails, trying to blend in with patrons at the Gisela bar.

According to Havey, ants were biting the suspect's feet as he was being arrested.